Prostaglandins: PGF 2α, PGE 2, 6-keto-PGF 1α and TXB 2 serum levels in dysmenorrheic adolescents before, during and after treatment with oral contraceptives

Abstract

Ten adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) were treated with the oral contraceptive (OC) Lyndiol 2.5 mg (R) for one cycle. The levels of PGF 2α, PGE 2 and the metabolites of PGI 2 and TXA 2: 6-keto-PGF 1α and TXB 2 were tested by a radioimmunoassay method during the 1st and 23rd day of the pre-treatment cycle (PrTC), the 23rd day of treatment (TC) and the 1st day of the post-treatment cycle (PoTC). The ratios PGF 2α PGE 2 and TXB 2 6- keto-PGF 1α were also tested and compared during the above-mentioned days. Analytical comparison was made, for each Prostaglandin (PG) separately, between the 1st day of the PrTC and PoTC as well as the 23rd day of the PrTC and TC, respectively. All PG levels during TC and PoTC were found significantly lower, compared to those of the PrTC respectively. With regard to the ratios mentioned above, no statistically significant differences were found on the same days and cycles as previously stated. The reduction of the PG levels in PD patients after treatment with oral contraceptives, together with an improvement of the clinical findings of the disease, support the theory that oral contraceptives can be used for the treatment of PD cases, especially for those adolescents who also desire a contraceptive method.